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THE BIG SHOW
In 1950, the advent of television was not only causing concern in the film industry but radio was beginning to feel the effect as well. In short, audiences were dwindling. To combat the problem, NBC spent lots of money to produce The Big Show, a 90 minute radio program which would feature famous guests performing skits, songs, and comedic routines.
Tallulah Bankhead was asked to host the show. She had guested in various radio programs in the past but had never done anything on an ongoing basis before. She was nervous and didn't really know what to expect or what her duty actually was so she approached the show with guarded anticipation.
The Big Show premiered on November 5, 1950 and played every Sunday night for the next three years. It was a rousing success and Tallulah was a great success. The guest list varied but included such names as Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Fanny Brice, Phil Silvers, Bob Hope, Clifton Webb, Gloria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Holliday, Ethel Barrymore, Jimmy Durante, Milton Berle, Josephine Baker, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, George Sanders, Yul Brynner, Shirley Booth, Peggy Lee, Rosalind Russell and Merv Griffin.NOTE: Updated Release! Fixed known issues with MP3 files freezing on Episodes 7 and 24, and other minor miscellaneous changes (12-Jul-2012).
From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. See "Notes" Section below for more information on the OTRR.
Notes
OLD TIME RADIO RESEARCHERS GROUP
This is a production of the Old Time Radio Researchers (OTRR) Group located at Old Time Radio Researchers Website (www.otrr.org), Old Time Radio Researchers Facebook Group, and Old Time Radio Researchers Group.
It contains the most complete and accurate version of this series in the best sound possible at the time of creation. An updated version will be issued if more episodes or better sounding ones become available.
This is the Single Episodes Page. The Certified Set includes extras not found here. It is located at OTRR Certified Set. This Single Episodes page is provided in case you want to sample the shows. Note that in many cases, file names have been modified from the original OTRR names to conform to archive.org naming requirements.
If you are interested in preserving Old Time Radio (OTR), you may wish to join the Old Time Radio Researchers Group at Facebook and Groups.io.
Relax, listen, and enjoy!
OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Maintained Set -- This set contains all known episodes in the best available audio condition with the most accurate dates and titles known to be in general circulation and based on current research at the time of release. Replaces OTRR Certified Accurate and OTRR Certified Complete.
OTRR Non-Maintained Set -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Maintenance process.
Pre-2019 OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Certified Accurate -- A series that was "Certified Accurate" indicated that all the episodes were properly identified and labeled based on current information but that the series did not contain all known extant episodes.
OTRR Certified Complete -- A series that was "Certified Complete" achieved the highest level of certification available under the OTRR Certified Standards. This certification level implied that all the files in the series were "Certified Accurate" and also indicated that the series was as complete as possible and included all circulating episodes.
OTRR Non-Certified -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Certification process.
Also, beginning in 2019, the version numbers of our OTRR releases changed format -- instead of v1.0 or v2.1, we are now using a version number that reflects the year and month the set was released. The format used is a two-digit year followed by a two-digit month. For example, "v1906" indicates a set that was released in June 2019, or "v1910" indicates a set released in October 2019.
NOTE: There are no passwords for any of our ZIP files. If you are prompted for a password, before downloading the file again, try unzipping the file into a shorter full folder path name -- for example, unzip to "C:\" instead of "C:\Documents and Settings\your_Windows_ID\some_other_folder\". Sorry, some of our releases contain long folder and file names, which sometimes manifests itself on the Windows platform as prompting for a password for the ZIP file. Or try renaming the ZIP file itself to a shorter name before unzipping.
Reviews
Reviewer:
MPDMedia
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 21, 2020
Subject: New Year's Eve 1950 show
Subject: New Year's Eve 1950 show
Download or play this episode if you want to cure the C-19 Blahs. Was listening to this last night and was blown away by buried treasures like Gloria Swanson and Jose Ferrer performing a scene from Twentieth Century; 14-year-old Margaret O'Brien and Ferrer doing the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet; Fran Warren's two songs, the latter of which (So In Love) is included in a show-ending Best of Broadway 1950 medley; Vivian Blaine in character from Guys and Dolls bantering with Tallulah, and loads more. There is some unfortunate radio static bleed on the Swanson/Ferrer pairing, but maybe a freelance audio engineer can figure out how to remove it.
Reviewer:
itsthatbriguy
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 15, 2018
Subject: Update
Subject: Update
Martin Grams has been in contact with someone in possession of complete transcriptions from Season Two that he expected would be circulating ''soon'. That was in 2016. The shows exist but, for now, we have to be content to enjoy the content we have.
Reviewer:
miriamhopkins
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 4, 2017
Subject: What happened to Season Two of The Big Show?
Subject: What happened to Season Two of The Big Show?
The first season of the Big Show is available through Radio Archives and from Jerry Haendiges. But no one seems to have any of the Shows from Season two. Radio Archives has recently been releasing Radio Archives Treasures and have included 2 or 3 of these shows including part of NO. 56. The closing show No. 57 does not seem available.
Does anybody know how to get these missing shows? Thanks for any information.
Does anybody know how to get these missing shows? Thanks for any information.
Reviewer:
ninkon
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 19, 2017
Subject: Tallulah!
Subject: Tallulah!
Absolutely fantastic! I am so glad to be able to listen to these recordings and Tallulah Bankhead, what a personality! And that laughter!
Better quality wouldn't hurt though, but I'm not fussy, just glad these exist!
Better quality wouldn't hurt though, but I'm not fussy, just glad these exist!
Reviewer:
jobtrotter
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 30, 2016
Subject: the big show is great!
Subject: the big show is great!
I love hearing this show!
Reviewer:
MrWimple
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-
March 24, 2014
Subject: Robert B Livingstone
Subject: Robert B Livingstone
Robert, drop me an email at andrewotrwood@hotmail.com.
I have this entire series in incredible first generation quality straight from the original transcription discs. It sounds as if it were recorded yesterday.
It's the best radio variety show of all time in my opinion. Tallulah should be a legend - she is to me!
I have this entire series in incredible first generation quality straight from the original transcription discs. It sounds as if it were recorded yesterday.
It's the best radio variety show of all time in my opinion. Tallulah should be a legend - she is to me!
Reviewer:
Robert B. Livingston
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 24, 2014
Subject: A window to great talent from the early 1950s
Subject: A window to great talent from the early 1950s
This is an excellent radio broadcast series worth turning to for diversion and pleasure when one's time allows. These programs provide a great escape.
The early 1950s were not the most particularly agreeable years with the rise of repressive McCarthyism, the Cold War and fear of nuclear war, the Korean conflict, etc.-- but the entertainment world still dazzled with remarkable talents, which included incomparable iconoclasts and wits.
The series host, Tallulah Bankhead, and her "reputation" certainly kept the series lively. I think it is too bad that she is less remembered today. Wouldn't it be nice if the USPS would issue a stamp with her picture on it?
Thus far, as I listen to the programs, I've not gone without some hearty laughs. The comedic routines and banter are thoughtfully interspersed with some more weighty dramatic sequences, chorals, songs, and more-- from which one can draw reflection.
The Big Show portrayed an America that could laugh at itself, be more inclusive: a Big Family, so to speak. Radio, and later television, had the power to broaden one's thinking. What became of that? What is to become of the internet?
For the time being, the internet is certainly wonderful in the way it can bring these wonderful programs and people back to life.
I would mention, that the audio quality varies, parts are difficult to hear, I noticed that the end part to Episode 28 appears to be missing.
I am glad the Old Time Radio archivists are working to steadily improve and restore the programs as much as possible.
My hat is off to them.
The early 1950s were not the most particularly agreeable years with the rise of repressive McCarthyism, the Cold War and fear of nuclear war, the Korean conflict, etc.-- but the entertainment world still dazzled with remarkable talents, which included incomparable iconoclasts and wits.
The series host, Tallulah Bankhead, and her "reputation" certainly kept the series lively. I think it is too bad that she is less remembered today. Wouldn't it be nice if the USPS would issue a stamp with her picture on it?
Thus far, as I listen to the programs, I've not gone without some hearty laughs. The comedic routines and banter are thoughtfully interspersed with some more weighty dramatic sequences, chorals, songs, and more-- from which one can draw reflection.
The Big Show portrayed an America that could laugh at itself, be more inclusive: a Big Family, so to speak. Radio, and later television, had the power to broaden one's thinking. What became of that? What is to become of the internet?
For the time being, the internet is certainly wonderful in the way it can bring these wonderful programs and people back to life.
I would mention, that the audio quality varies, parts are difficult to hear, I noticed that the end part to Episode 28 appears to be missing.
I am glad the Old Time Radio archivists are working to steadily improve and restore the programs as much as possible.
My hat is off to them.
Reviewer:
andrew a
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 8, 2013
Subject: THAT BIG GREAT SHOW
Subject: THAT BIG GREAT SHOW
Just love the old time radio, can't get enough of it.
This collection just a delight, I listen to it all the time.
Miss Bankhead is simply outrageous.
This collection just a delight, I listen to it all the time.
Miss Bankhead is simply outrageous.
Reviewer:
Jofus-Boston
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 6, 2013
Subject: Interesting Choice Of Time Slot
Subject: Interesting Choice Of Time Slot
"Big Show" was launched as much to lead NBC Radio's counterattack against the CBS "talent raids" of 1948-49 as it was to fight the growth of television.
From the dawn of network radio through 1948, NBC Red/NBC dominated Sunday-night listening. At the end of 1948, Jack Benny (whose show had been the "anchor" of NBC's powerful Sunday-night lineup for the preceding sixteen years) suddenly left and moved to CBS, where his show would be heard on Sunday nights from 7 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern time---the very same timeslot he had been heard on NBC for all those years.
Suddenly, NBC's dominance of Sunday-night radio had ended. Everything NBC tried for a year-and-a-half failed to lure listeners away from Benny on CBS.
By having "Big Show" run for 90 minutes from 6 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern time, NBC hoped that listeners would stick with it and not change stations to the local CBS affiliate at 7 to hear Jack Benny.
I would not be surprised if "Big Show" actually had a decent numebr of listeners during its firs hour, only to have the numbers plunge when Jack Benny came on CBS.
Although "Big Show" was also intended to fight the growing influence of TV, it is interesting that it ended a half-hour before the start of the two top-rated Sunday-night shows of early 1950's television: "The Colgate Comedy Hour" on NBC-TV and "The Ed Sullivan Show" (originally known as "Toast Of The Town") on CBS-TV, both of which aired from 8 to 9 P.M. Eastern time.
Thus, I think "Big Show"'s scheduling was more an attempt to compete against Jack Benny's CBS Radio show that to compete against early television.
From the dawn of network radio through 1948, NBC Red/NBC dominated Sunday-night listening. At the end of 1948, Jack Benny (whose show had been the "anchor" of NBC's powerful Sunday-night lineup for the preceding sixteen years) suddenly left and moved to CBS, where his show would be heard on Sunday nights from 7 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern time---the very same timeslot he had been heard on NBC for all those years.
Suddenly, NBC's dominance of Sunday-night radio had ended. Everything NBC tried for a year-and-a-half failed to lure listeners away from Benny on CBS.
By having "Big Show" run for 90 minutes from 6 to 7:30 P.M. Eastern time, NBC hoped that listeners would stick with it and not change stations to the local CBS affiliate at 7 to hear Jack Benny.
I would not be surprised if "Big Show" actually had a decent numebr of listeners during its firs hour, only to have the numbers plunge when Jack Benny came on CBS.
Although "Big Show" was also intended to fight the growing influence of TV, it is interesting that it ended a half-hour before the start of the two top-rated Sunday-night shows of early 1950's television: "The Colgate Comedy Hour" on NBC-TV and "The Ed Sullivan Show" (originally known as "Toast Of The Town") on CBS-TV, both of which aired from 8 to 9 P.M. Eastern time.
Thus, I think "Big Show"'s scheduling was more an attempt to compete against Jack Benny's CBS Radio show that to compete against early television.
Reviewer:
BellonaTimes
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 16, 2008
Subject: Great series but skip the last available show
Subject: Great series but skip the last available show
The one with Richard Easton is a complete bore. Tallu sounds desperate, the jokes are lamer than usual, even Ethel Merman disappoints -- although she and Bankhead have an okay catfight at one point. If you like unintentional humor, Peter Lorre sounds like a parody of himself by Mel Blanc, but it just goes on too long. Bottom of the barrel is purported comedian Joe Frisco who is about as funny as your own stubbed toe.
The rest of the series is generally excellent, especially the ones with Groucho, Phil Harris, George Sanders, & Bob Hope. The episode from London with Sanders features a wonderful reading of "Antony & Cleopatra" by Vivien Leigh and then-husband Laurence Olivier. The 4/1/51 episode has great repartee between TB and Ethel Barrymore. This is a must for theater buffs.
The rest of the series is generally excellent, especially the ones with Groucho, Phil Harris, George Sanders, & Bob Hope. The episode from London with Sanders features a wonderful reading of "Antony & Cleopatra" by Vivien Leigh and then-husband Laurence Olivier. The 4/1/51 episode has great repartee between TB and Ethel Barrymore. This is a must for theater buffs.
Reviewer:
Iowatvman
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 14, 2007
Subject: They don't make talent like this anymore...
Subject: They don't make talent like this anymore...
These are true classics--great talent, great writing, it's hard to ask for more. It's just unfortunate that so many episodes seem to be missing. Thank you, NBC, for throwing away your history...
Reviewer:
davidinberkeley
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 26, 2007
Subject: Worthwhile
Subject: Worthwhile
Be prepared for a vaudeville-variety format and some kind-of silly interstitial banter between guests. Beyond that this is a great representation of the biggest talents from this era.
I do enjoy it and save it for a long weekend afternoon of cooking and dishwashing.
I do enjoy it and save it for a long weekend afternoon of cooking and dishwashing.
Reviewer:
pdatto
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 26, 2007
Subject: The Big Show
Subject: The Big Show
Listening to the greats of yesteryear is a lesson in true talent.
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